The Choko (Sechium Edule) is also known as the chayote or alligator pear overseas, but here in New Zealand the beloved choko, a vigorous but frost tender vine. Once upon a time many families grew choko vines but they seem to have lost favour with the younger generation, perhaps due to their bland flavour or slimy texture when peeled. To grow your own choko vine either buy a choko fruit or get hold of one from a friend and keep it inside in a well lit area until a sprout emerges from the wide end of the fruit. Bury the fruit on its side with the sprout poking out next to a plant or structure that the vine can grow up and over. The choko vine will swarm up over just about anything and it will fruit in late summer to autumn very prolifically so unless your want to corner the market in chokoes or perhaps turn them into choko wine, one vine will feed the biggest family. The vine is frost tender and will die off during the winter in areas that are not frost free, but will sprout ...
Little things that make me smile